Born: 1970 (Sonneberg, Thuringia)
Biography:
Silke Kraushaar-Pielach (born Silke Kraushaar on 10 October 1970 in Sonneberg, Thuringia) is a German luger who competed from 1995 to 2008. Throughout her career, Kraushaar-Pielach achieved remarkable success and left a lasting impact on the sport of luge.
Kraushaar-Pielach’s journey in the world of luge began in the mid-1990s. Competing in three Winter Olympics, she displayed exceptional skill and determination. Her most notable achievement came in 1998 when she won the gold medal in the women’s singles event, narrowly beating her teammate Barbara Niedernhuber by a mere 2 thousandths of a second. This victory established Kraushaar-Pielach as one of the top lugers in the world and marked the beginning of an illustrious career.
In addition to her Olympic success, Kraushaar-Pielach excelled at the FIL World Luge Championships. She earned a total of ten medals, including four golds. Her gold medal victories came in the women’s singles event in 2004 and in the mixed team event in 2000, 2001, and 2007. She also claimed four silvers and two bronze medals throughout her appearances at the championships. These accomplishments further solidified her status as a dominant force in luge.
At the FIL European Luge Championships, Kraushaar-Pielach’s prowess was equally impressive. She amassed a total of ten medals, including seven golds. Her gold medal victories in the women’s singles event came in 1998, 2004, and 2006, while her success in the mixed team events resulted in gold medals in 1998, 2000, 2004, and 2006. Additionally, she won three silvers in the women’s singles event in 2000, 2002, and 2008. Kraushaar-Pielach’s consistent performances at the European Championships showcased her ability to excel on the international stage.
Throughout her career, Kraushaar-Pielach also achieved remarkable success in the overall Luge World Cup. She secured the title five times, winning in the seasons of 1998-1999, 2000-2001, 2001-2002, 2005-2006, and 2006-2007. This remarkable feat demonstrated her consistency and dominance over an extended period.
Kraushaar-Pielach’s final season was marked by continued competitive excellence. She began the season with a win in the women’s singles event at Lake Placid, New York, on 16 November 2007. Her final race in Sigulda, Latvia, on 16 February 2008 saw her finish in third place. It was fitting that her last race took place at the same location where she won her first World Cup event on 30 November 1996, highlighting her remarkable career journey.
Beyond her achievements as an athlete, Kraushaar-Pielach has also made significant contributions to the sport of luge in her role as a sports official. In June 2008, she was appointed as the manager of the luge section of the Bob- und Schlittenverband für Deutschland (BSD), the German bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton federation. Her expertise and passion for the sport have undoubtedly played a vital role in the development and advancement of luge in Germany.
In her personal life, Kraushaar-Pielach married German businessman Michael Pielach on 7 July 2006. She has demonstrated her commitment to the future of luge through her charitable efforts. In 2008, she auctioned the sled she used until 1995 on the German version of eBay, with the proceeds benefiting young luge athletes. This act of generosity showcased her dedication to supporting the next generation of talent.
Silke Kraushaar-Pielach’s contributions to the sport of luge are immeasurable. Her achievements as an athlete and her leadership as a sports official have left a lasting impact on the sport. With her remarkable athletic performances, Kraushaar-Pielach has solidified her place in women’s history and established herself as one of the most influential figures in luge. Her dedication, determination, and passion have inspired generations of lugers and continue to shape the future of the sport.
Awards:
– Olympic Games:
– Gold Medal – Women’s singles (1998)
– Silver Medal – Women’s singles (2006)
– Bronze Medal – Women’s singles (2002)
– FIL World Luge Championships:
– Gold Medal – Women’s singles (2004)
– Gold Medal – Mixed team (2000, 2001, 2007)
– Silver Medal – Women’s singles (2000, 2001)
– Silver Medal – Mixed team (1997, 1999)
– Bronze Medal – Women’s singles (2007, 2008)
– FIL European Luge Championships:
– Gold Medal – Women’s singles (1998, 2004, 2006)
– Gold Medal – Mixed team (1998, 2000, 2004, 2006)
– Silver Medal – Women’s singles (2000, 2002, 2008)
– Overall Luge World Cup:
– Gold (1998-1999, 2000-2001, 2001-2002, 2005-2006, 2006-2007)